England 1-2 France: Harry Kane misses penalty as England bow out of the World Cup
Reigning world champions, France, qualify for a World Cup semi-final, beating England 2-1 at the Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday.
Olivier Giroud’s 78th minute goal secured the win for France, confirming their place in the semi finals. This was the third successive quarterfinals appearance in the World Cup for Les Bleus. They have now knocked out Poland and England, zealously defending their title with every passing game.
Didier Deschamps named an unchanged first eleven to the team that won against Poland 3-1.
French captain, Hugo Lloris , won his 143rd cap. The goalkeeper now holds the France’s all-time record for appearances. The record was previously held by Lilian Thuram (142).
Gareth Southgate named an unchanged team from their dominant 3-0 win against Senegal. The England head coach earlier cited strength in depth, as well as thinking about the opponent.
“But we’ve been on a good path and I think we needed to stay on that track.” he went on to add, speaking to ITV.
It was an evenly contested game with both teams chasing a decisive moment.
Aurelien Tchouameni opened the scoring in the 17th minute, to give France the lead. A long-range effort was the difference in the first half. The referee made no note of shouts of a foul on Bukayo Saka, in the build up leading to the opening goal.
Kane ties Rooney as joint top-scorer
In the opening minutes of the second half, Hugo Lloris made a fingertip save to deny Jude Bellingham, 19, an equaliser for the Three Lions.
Harry Kane penalty kick brought England level after Tchouameni brought down Bukayo Saka in the box. The England skipper powered into the left side of the goal, past his Spurs goalkeeper, Lloris. Kane, 29, has now scored 53 goals for England, to tie Wayne Rooney as top scorer for England.
Allez Les Bleus
Jordan Pickford made an outstanding save to deny Olivier Giroud. The french talisman volleyed towards the bottom left but the Pickford got a strong hand to pick it out for a corner.
Olivier Giroud was not going to be denied a second time. The frenchman smashed a header into the bottom left, from an Antoine Griezmann cross. That was his 52nd goal in white and blue. He is the top scorer for France.
England had an opportunity to level the score. Consulting the VAR, referee pointed to the spot after Theo Hernandez brought down substitute Mason Mount in the 18 yard box. It was a controversial call as Hernandez denied the substitute a goalscoring opportunity and there were shouts for a red card. The referee, Wilton Sampaio, cautioned the frenchman with a yellow card.
Three Lions knocked out
With the chance to bring England level, Kane blazed his penalty over the crossbar. It was heartbreak for England and their England faithful.
A Marcus Rashford free-kick in the last of the 8 added minutes went to the side of the net. Les Bleus could let out a sigh of relief. England could see their hopes for a world cup semi-finals slipping away.
The referee blew the full time whistle to the heartbreak of the England faithful.
France will face Morocco in the semi-finals, on Wednesday evening. England will have to wait for another four years, for their dream of winning the World Cup.
